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  38 STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION ON A VIBRANT, CHROMATIC BLUE CANTON, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 17.25" x 22
Flag Size (H x L): 9" x 13.75"
Description....:
38 STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION ON A VIBRANT, CHROMATIC BLUE CANTON, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a medallion star configuration. Specifically, this is a triple-wreath design, with three consecutive circles of stars surrounding a single, center star. Typically there are 4 flanking stars outside this type of pattern, one in each corner. Note that there are only two flanking on this example. This was done intentionally to leave room for the easy addition of two more states. Flag-makers felt that more Western Territories were soon to be added to the Union and eagerly anticipated their arrival.

This is an extraordinary example because of the vibrant, chromatic blue color of its canton. It is a rare variation, seldom seen. Not how the color contrasts with the chrome orange stripes. While it isn't unusual to see orange stripes in this period, it is unusual for the canton to be in such an unusual shade of blue.

The 38th state, Colorado, received its statehood on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation's centennial of independence from Great Britain. Although 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876, flag-making was a competitive venture, and no one wanted to be making 37 star flags when others were making 38's. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long, World's Fair event, held in honor of the anniversary, in Philadelphia. The 38 star flag became official in 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The flag is stitched to black 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The flag was then placed in a gilded molding of excellent quality that dates to the period between 1830 and 1870. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: Excellent. The flag survives in an extraordinary state of preservation.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 38
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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